The Cannon Fodder Alpha Who Made the Heroine Pregnant - Chapter 42

42:

Zhou Lan performed two songs back-to-back, each with vastly different styles.

The first transported the audience into a peaceful, idyllic childhood world, while the second drove the atmosphere to its peak—a surface-level revelry that tried to mask the sorrow embedded in the lyrics and hearts.

Most of those who resonated deeply were women. They swayed and danced, using the moment to vent their pent-up frustrations.

Yet they all knew: these issues wouldn’t disappear. They could only rely on themselves.

After the two songs, it was time for the artist interaction segment.

Zhou Lan chose Little Bear. During their exchange, she didn’t say much, only briefly getting a sense of the person behind the stage persona.

Little Bear was the type who thrived on stage—quick-witted, unafraid of self-deprecating humor, and effortlessly handling the host’s teasing.

Overall, she left a good impression.

But Zhou Lan couldn’t shake the feeling that Little Bear wasn’t truly like this in real life. A creator’s work often reflects their inner self.

Like smiling depression—someone who appeared cheerful and friendly to everyone might be grappling with loneliness and despair they couldn’t articulate.

Of course, Zhou Lan wasn’t trying to pry into Little Bear’s psyche. She only wanted a musical exchange.

Little Bear seemed friendly on the surface, but there was an underlying coldness. If a stranger suddenly asked to discuss music, they’d probably be dismissed as delusional.

After the brief interaction, Zhou Lan’s interest in Little Bear waned. If fate allows, we’ll cross paths again, she thought.

That was what she told herself, yet her gaze kept drifting toward Chu Zhao’s direction.

During the post-performance segment, she noticed Chu Zhao pull out her phone, typing something with her head bowed.

Zhou Lan assumed Chu Zhao wasn’t interested in the interaction and worried she might leave. Distracted, Zhou Lan’s responses grew half-hearted.

She couldn’t even tell if her disengagement was due to losing interest in Little Bear or fearing Chu Zhao’s displeasure over the prolonged delay.

On her way back, several people tried to strike up conversations, but she brushed them off with a wave.

She wasn’t worried about her identity as “Ming Xiao Zhou” being exposed after performing. She’d already asked Hua Qiao and The Rolling Eggs Band to keep her alias low-profile for now, just a name without a face.

As long as they didn’t reveal that today’s performer was Ming Xiao Zhou, no one would connect the dots.

So far, Hua Qiao and the band have proven trustworthy. Besides, if they wanted to keep collaborating, they wouldn’t risk leaking her identity.

Zhou Lan jogged back to Chu Zhao, flashing a bright smile. “Sorry to keep you waiting.”

Chu Zhao had set her phone aside the moment Zhou Lan approached. Watching her run over, a flicker of warmth surfaced in her eyes.

Who hadn’t fantasized about this scene in their youth?

The radiant school belle, ignoring everyone else, sprinting straight towards you.

Chu Zhao lowered her lashes briefly, masking her emotions before looking up again, her expression unreadable.

“It’s fine. You sang well.”

Her tone was flat, giving no hint that she’d actually enjoyed the performance.

Zhou Lan didn’t mind. “Let’s go eat. Everything’s free today.”

She’d only had a slice of bread and a bottle of milk in the morning, and since then, only water. Her stomach had been growling for hours.

Chu Zhao shook her head. “Probably not happening.”

“Huh?”

Zhou Lan checked her watch—6 p.m. on a weekend. What could possibly come up?

“Your father wants us at the Zhou family home.”

Chu Zhao had no desire to go, nor did she want to face the gathering. But for now, they had no choice.

Happy times never lasted. Less than two hours into the music festival, they were already being dragged back to deal with a mess.

The Chu family’s corpse concealment case had unearthed numerous skeletons, triggering a major reshuffle in Jiangning’s power structure.

The Zhou family’s backer was among those implicated, now under investigation. The outcome was still uncertain, whether they’d emerge unscathed or go down with the ship.

In the original novel, the Zhou family collapsed alongside their patron. Zhou Xianling was crushed before he could react, left with no chance of recovery.

This time was different. The Chu family’s downfall had been swift and silent.

Zhou Xianling had reacted quickly, stabilizing the situation. But he didn’t realize the real storm hadn’t even begun—the danger still loomed.

The thought of returning to the Zhou estate drained the last of their good moods.

They had no choice but to leave the festival and head there.

Just as they were about to exit, Little Bear’s assistant rushed over, blocking their path.

“Hello, Miss Zhou! This is Little Bear’s private contact. She asked me to pass it along, she hopes you’ll reach out.”

“…Huh?”

Zhou Lan was baffled. She hadn’t revealed her identity. Why would Little Bear want to connect?

Little Bear didn’t seem the type to initiate contact with strangers.

As for Chu Zhao: “…”

Her internal scoff returned: Flirt.

When Zhou Lan actually accepted the contact info, Chu Zhao’s expression turned frosty.

Zhou Lan was equally mystified. Why would Little Bear send her assistant? But it didn’t matter, answers would come eventually.

Right now, the Zhou family took priority.

Only after resolving that mess could she truly live the life she wanted.

“Let’s go.”

She turned to Chu Zhao, only to find the woman already walking away, not waiting for her.

By the time Zhou Lan exited the venue, Chu Zhao had vanished.

She hurried towards the parking area, scanning the crowd for any sign of Chu Zhao. But in that short span, it was as if Chu Zhao had evaporated.

“Where’d she go?”

Zhou Lan stood there, bewildered. She decided to check the car first, maybe Chu Zhao hadn’t left yet.

She quickened her pace and found their vehicle still parked, undisturbed. Chu Zhao hadn’t arrived.

Was she still at the festival?

Zhou Lan pulled out her phone and called, worried Chu Zhao might be lost or in trouble.

Meanwhile, Chu Zhao was in a foul mood. Her stomach churned with nausea, and her irritation had driven her to the restroom without a word to Zhou Lan.

When she emerged, Zhou Lan was gone. Moving slowly, she made her way to the parking lot, discomfort weighing her down.

Then Zhou Lan’s call came.

Staring at the screen, Chu Zhao’s mood darkened further. Did she only call because she realized she didn’t have the car keys?

She muted her phone and ignored it.

When Zhou Lan got no answer, she bolted from the parking lot, sprinting back toward the festival grounds.

The weather was sweltering—even light activity brought sweat, let alone a full run. Beads formed on her forehead.

Finally, halfway there, she spotted Chu Zhao, her aura screaming “stay away”.

Chu Zhao walked at a leisurely pace, not glancing left or right, as if the surroundings didn’t exist.

Zhou Lan paused, then jogged over. “Why didn’t you answer? I thought you left without me.”

Chu Zhao: “…”

After a long silence, she said, “I walk slowly.”

Zhou Lan nodded, dropping the subject.

It was obvious Chu Zhao was in low spirits, unwilling to talk. Zhou Lan attributed it to the impending Zhou family visit.

But the next second, Chu Zhao’s inner monologue proved her wrong.

“Jerk, Zhou Lan.”

Zhou Lan: “?” Why the insult?

She blinked at Chu Zhao, who remained expressionless, plodding forward like a tortoise unfazed by its surroundings.

“What are you looking at, assh0le.”

Zhou Lan: “?” More insults?

Cautiously, she asked, “Did I do something wrong? Are you upset?”

Chu Zhao’s steps faltered briefly before resuming.

After a long pause, she replied, “What are you talking about?”

Internally: Jerk. Exchanging contacts with a rapper? Leaving me behind? Screw you!

Her mind seethed with uncharacteristic rage.

Chu Zhao was usually the picture of composure—calm, decisive.

Had Zhou Lan not witnessed this firsthand, she’d never believe the storm raging beneath that icy exterior.

The gap moe—discrepancy between appearance and personality only amused Zhou Lan further. She didn’t mind Chu Zhao’s prickly attitude.

Smiling, she asked, “Do you know Little Bear?”

Little Bear again?! Chu Zhao’s already frosty expression turned glacial.

Not expecting a reply, Zhou Lan continued, “Little Bear’s a singer who advocates for women and Omegas. I really like her music.”

“As for why she gave me her contact… Two Alphas wouldn’t have that kind of dynamic, right?”

“I’m not into Alpha-Alpha relationships.”

Hearing “Alpha-Alpha relationships,” Chu Zhao couldn’t suppress a small smile.

Seeing her finally brighten, Zhou Lan grinned. “I thought you’d left ahead of me so I ran after you. Sorry, next time I’ll call first.”

In her panic, she’d forgotten her phone entirely. Looking back, it felt silly.

Chu Zhao gave a noncommittal “Mm,” her mood clearly lifting.

How long had it been since someone cared about her feelings? Most people avoided her when she was upset. Only Zhou Lan would go out of her way to cheer her up.

She wasn’t stupid, Zhou Lan’s earlier comments were obviously meant to placate her.

Hearing Chu Zhao’s thoughts, Zhou Lan smirked inwardly. So I do have a talent for making girls happy.

“Next month, there’s a music festival in the capital—it tours major cities annually.”

“The artists are all moderately popular. The atmosphere’s supposed to be even better. If you’re free, I’ll take you.”

Given Chu Zhao’s current situation, leaving Jiangning wasn’t simple. Doing so would mean the local affairs were settled.

She’d partnered with the mysterious figure from the Sang family. While her role was complete, the Sang family’s agenda wasn’t. Until then, she couldn’t leave Jiangning.

At Zhou Lan’s offer, she only smiled faintly, offering no reply.

Zhou Lan understood. Reassuringly, she said, “Don’t worry. I’ve got your back.”

A sudden thought struck her: with Zhou Xianling’s shrewdness, he might’ve already caught wind of something. This visit to the Zhou family wouldn’t be straightforward.

She could only hope it wouldn’t derail their plans.